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Australian Open introduces new event that could rival US Open mixed doubles format

Originally posted on HITC | By George Patten | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 9:58 AM ET

The US Open made some changes to its mixed doubles event in 2025, and the reception was a bit of a mixed bag.

Looking to draw more attention to doubles, the tournament decided to shake up the format this year.

While big names like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula were all involved, it was still the doubles specialists who ended up taking home the trophy.

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori managed to hold onto their title against Swiatek and Casper Ruud in a result that few saw coming.

The new format was well-received overall, leading some to wonder if other Grand Slam tournaments might consider similar changes down the line.

Australian Open introduces $1 million amateur vs pro ‘1-point slam’

The Australian Open is set to debut the ‘Million Dollar 1-point Slam’ in 2026, an event that will see 22 professionals take on ten amateurs.

Qualifying matches will be held during the tournament’s first week, with the final scheduled to take place on Rod Laver Arena.

The format is straightforward: a game of rock, paper, scissors determines who serves, and a single point decides who moves on to the next round.

Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

Speaking at the media launch for the 2026 Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley shared his thoughts on the new event.

“We are very excited to launch the new Million Dollar 1 Point Slam, with the ultimate winner – whether amateur or pro player – walking away with $1 million in prize money,” he said.

“In the coming weeks we’ll open entries at clubs around the country. During Opening Week, finalists will battle it out for a spot to face pros in Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night.”

Tiley also confirmed that World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz would headline the professional lineup for this unique event.

“I can reveal today that World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will headline pro player line-up in Million Dollar 1 Point Slam – thrilling new initiative where one point could win you $1 million.”

Craig Tiley has no plans to change the Australian Open mixed doubles event

Speaking on ‘The Tennis’ podcast, host Brie Stewart reported that there are no plans to alter the Australian Open’s mixed doubles format.

“What we have heard is that we do not have any plans to change how mixed doubles has always traditionally been played,” she said. “Craig [Tiley] has come out and said he is happy with how it’s always been done.”

Olivia Gadecki and John Peers won the title in 2025, becoming the first Aussie pair to do so since Matthew Ebden and Jarmila Gajdosova back in 2013.

If the tournament had switched to a US Open-style format, players like Gadecki and Peers might not have had the chance to take part.

With the traditional setup staying in place, it’s likely Gadecki and Peers will get their opportunity to defend their title when the 2026 tournament kicks off on Monday, January 12.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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